[en] The fusion reactor may someday be the dependable, virtually inexhaustible source of energy that the Nation is seeking. Officials of the Department of Energy are optimistic that fusion energy will become a commercially feasible power source in the 21st century. However, in the past, similar predictions have proven to be overly optimistic. Although fusion is considered as being in the applied research phase, portions of fusion research remain in the basic research phase. It is therefore premature to assume that all of the problems to be encountered have been identified. Fusion is a long-term energy option, and its potential for becoming a viable commercial energy source is unknown. While continued funding of fusion research is needed to keep this energy option open, the Congress, in considering the adequacy of requested funding levels for fusion, should be mindful that fusion energy should not be looked to as a means for solving the Nation's near- or mid-term energy problems